EXPO CITY

from What's On Dubai - October 2022

BRUNCH

THIS IS THE GREATEST SHOW

The legacy lives on at Expo City Dubai…

Back in March, the curtains closed on the world’s greatest show. Across six months, 192 countries proudly showcased their ideas and aspirations, megastars entertained the masses at Al Wasl Plaza and more than 200 restaurants fed the 24 million who made their way through the grand Expo 2020 gates. But this October, we’ll get to say hello to the world’s greatest show 2.0, as the site is transformed into Expo City Dubai. Here’s your essential guide.

PAVILIONS

Two of the three thematic pavilions: Alif, the Mobility Pavilion; and Terra, the Sustainability Pavilion have returned in their original form. If you didn’t visit Alif first time around, prepare to be transported through time where you’ll get to see how mobility has shaped human history. At Terra, visitors can expect a showcase of best practices in sustainability, journeying to swirling oceans and verdant forests on an interactive discovery that will leave you reconsidering your approach to the planet. Tickets are Dhs50 per pavilion.

ATTRACTIONS

For fans of a vantage point with fabulous views, no trip to Expo City will be complete without a spin around Garden in the Sky, a rotating observation deck that lifts visitors 55 metres above ground. Elsewhere, making a welcome return to Instagram feeds will be Expo favourite, Surreal. This gravity-defying water feature puts on dazzling displays of expertly choreographed music, water and fire. Then there’s Al Wasl Plaza, Expo’s beating heart and jaw-dropping events space, where star-studded performances from Coldplay, Ellie Goulding and Christina Aguilera wowed guests first time around. Not to forget the next generation, younger visitors to Expo City can enjoy hours of fun at the outdoor playground and carousel.

COMING SOON

EXPO 2020 DUBAI MUSEUM

One of the three key Expo 2020 themes was opportunity, which saw the creation of the opportunity district and the focal Opportunity Pavilion. Later this year, the Opportunity Pavilion will reopen as an interactive museum. Inside, visitors can relieve the impressive feats and unforgettable highlights from the six action-packed months of Expo 2020 Dubai. But journeying further back in time, the museum will also offer visitors the opportunity to discover more about the incredible history and lasting impact of previous world expos.

GETTING AROUND

While visitors are welcome to stroll the site at leisure, you can get in a workout by hiring eBikes and eScooters or give weary legs a rest and hop on buggies or the Expo Explorer train.

SLEEPOVER

Can’t squeeze everything into one day? Then check-in to the only hotel at Expo City, Rove Expo 2020. After a day exploring the mini-city, make a splash in the pool, where an afternoon dip comes with glorious views over Al Wasl Dome. rovehotels.com